International BD264 Specifications
| Engine Model: International Harvester BD264 |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 4-cylinder naturally aspirated liquid-cooled diesel |
| Total Displacement: 264 cu.in (4.3 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 50-55 Hp (37-41 kW) at 1600 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Indirect fuel injection |
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The International Harvester BD264 is a
four-cylinder, 4.3-liter inline diesel engine developed for agricultural
and light industrial applications during the mid-20th century. This
engine represents International Harvester's commitment to providing
durable and economical diesel power for their equipment line, offering
an alternative to gasoline engines with improved fuel efficiency and
torque characteristics.
As a naturally aspirated, indirect injection engine, the BD264 is
designed for reliable operation at moderate speeds, making it suitable
for tractors and stationary equipment where constant power is required.
Its construction emphasizes simplicity and serviceability, with a robust
cast iron block and head. The BD264 is recognized for its longevity and
low operating costs, serving as a foundational power unit in a
generation of International Harvester tractors and becoming a staple in
agricultural communities.
Engine Type: Inline 4-Cylinder, Four-Stroke Cycle Diesel.
Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated.
Displacement: 4.3 Liters (264 cubic inches).
Bore: 102 mm (4.00 inches).
Stroke: 133 mm (5.25 inches).
Compression Ratio: 16.5:1.
Firing Order: 1-3-4-2.
Rotation (Viewed from Flywheel End): Counterclockwise.
Governor Type: Mechanical, centrifugal all-speed governor.
Emission Certification: Pre-era of formal emissions certification.
Power Output (Gross): 55 Hp (41.0 kW) at rated speed.
Power Output (Net): 50.5 Hp (37.7 kW) at rated speed, as installed in
equipment with accessories.
The cylinder block is a one-piece cast iron structure. It is a parent
bore design, meaning the cylinder bores are machined directly into the
block material without the use of separate liners. This construction
provides a rigid foundation and simplifies manufacturing.
The block features integral coolant passages surrounding each cylinder.
Main bearing caps are made of cast iron or nodular iron and are secured
by two bolts each. The camshaft is located in the block and is driven by
gears from the crankshaft. The block design is straightforward,
prioritizing durability and ease of machining.
A single cast iron cylinder head is employed. The BD264 utilizes an
indirect injection combustion system, featuring a pre-combustion chamber
(pre-cup) for each cylinder. The head employs a two-valve-per-cylinder
design - one intake and one exhaust. Valve seats are integral to the
cast iron head.
Valve guides are pressed into the head material. Valve actuation is via
pushrods and rocker arms; the rocker arm shaft is mounted on the
cylinder head. Valve lash requires manual adjustment using a screw and
locknut on each rocker arm. The cylinder head gasket is a composite
material.
The fuel system is an indirect injection, mechanically controlled
design. It employs a single inline injection pump, driven by the
engine's timing gears. This pump supplies high-pressure fuel to
individual injectors via steel fuel lines. The injectors are mounted in
the cylinder head and spray fuel into a separate pre-combustion chamber.
A mechanical lift pump transfers fuel from the tank to the injection
pump. The fuel circuit includes a primary sediment bowl and a secondary
fuel filter. The indirect injection design promotes smoother, quieter
combustion but operates at lower injection pressures than direct
injection systems.
Lubrication is provided by a gear-type oil pump driven from the camshaft
gear. Oil is drawn from the sump through a pickup screen, then forced
through a full-flow, replaceable cartridge-type oil filter. A pressure
relief valve protects the system.
Filtered oil is directed to the main oil gallery and subsequently
supplied to the crankshaft main and connecting rod bearings, camshaft
bearings, and valve gear. The system is a conventional wet-sump design,
maintaining pressure through a network of drilled passages in the block
and crankshaft.
The engine uses a pressurized, liquid-cooled system with thermosiphon
and pump-assisted circulation. A belt-driven centrifugal water pump
circulates coolant. Coolant flows from the pump through the cylinder
block and cylinder head.
A thermostat regulates engine temperature by controlling flow to the
radiator. The system has substantial capacity to manage heat under
sustained load. The design requires connection to a radiator with
adequate frontal area and fan airflow for proper heat rejection.
Starting System: 12-volt electric starting motor with a dedicated
solenoid. Charging System: A DC generator, belt-driven from the
crankshaft, provides charging for the electrical system.
Air Intake System: A dry-type, oil bath, or combination air cleaner is
used, dependent on the specific tractor or equipment model. Exhaust
System: A cast iron exhaust manifold routes gases to an upright vertical
stack or under-body exhaust, depending on application.
Physical dimensions are specific to the installation within a tractor
chassis, but core engine measurements are approximate. Length is roughly
940 mm (37 inches), width is 660 mm (26 inches), and height is 950 mm
(37.4 inches). These dimensions exclude the radiator, fan, and air
cleaner. The dry engine weight, including flywheel and clutch assembly,
is approximately 500 kg (1100 lbs). The substantial weight is due to the
heavy cast iron construction throughout.
Engine Oil Grade: Use a high-quality diesel engine oil. For the era,
oils meeting MIL-L-2104A or API Series 3 specifications were
appropriate. A modern single-grade oil like SAE 30 or a multigrade like
15W-40 is suitable. Oil Change Interval: For agricultural use, change
engine oil every 100 hours of operation. Severe or dusty conditions
necessitate more frequent changes.
Oil System Capacity: Total oil capacity is 9.1 Liters (9.6 US quarts).
Cooling System Capacity: Total cooling system capacity is 43.0 Liters
(45.4 US quarts). Fuel Filter: Service the sediment bowl daily. Replace
the secondary fuel filter element every 200 hours.
Air Filter: Service the air cleaner daily in dusty conditions. For oil
bath types, clean and refill with fresh oil to the indicated level.
Valve Lash Adjustment (Cold): Intake and Exhaust: 0.38 mm (0.015
inches). Adjust at every major tune-up or every 500 hours. Engine
Coolant: Use clean, soft water with an appropriate rust inhibitor. In
freezing climates, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol antifreeze is
required.
Cylinder Head Bolts: Tighten in sequence to 95-100 Nm (70-74 lb-ft).
Main Bearing Cap Bolts: Tighten to 110-115 Nm (81-85 lb-ft).
Connecting Rod Cap Bolts: Tighten to 55-60 Nm (41-44 lb-ft).
Flywheel-to-Crankshaft Bolts: Tighten to 100-110 Nm (74-81 lb-ft).
Rocker Arm Shaft Support Bolts: Tighten to 40-45 Nm (30-33 lb-ft).
Oil Pan Bolts: Tighten to 20-25 Nm (15-18 lb-ft).
Injector Line Nuts: Tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
Glow Plug/Heater Plug: Tighten to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft).
The International Harvester BD264 engine
was primarily applied in agricultural machinery:
Agricultural Tractors: The primary application was in International
Harvester tractors, including the famous Farmall Super M-TA (MD), the
International 400, and the International 450 Diesel. Industrial
Tractors: Used in International industrial wheel tractors for loader and
utility work. Combine Harvesters: Provided power for certain models of
International Harvester combine harvesters.
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